Their client was their priority

“Their client was their priority every time we saw them.”
“It was humbling to witness how two young girls can provide so much care.”
“They are an example and an asset to your team and the company, and your clients are in good hands.”
These were just some of the words spoken about Rebecca Hernandez and her fellow Support Worker Kirsty Vickers after they spent a weekend supporting one of our clients at an activity-based initiative.
And when you consider the comments were made by care professionals with a combined 30 years’ experience in care, that’s high praise indeed.
“I found it heart-warming that they took the time to tell us verbally how impressed they were, but then to put it down in writing in email to our head office,” says Rebecca.
“They saw beyond our ages and the person-centred care we provide to our client, so it was lovely feedback.”
Rebecca has worked in care most of her career, and in complex and special needs care in particular.
She spent five years working as a Teaching Assistant at a special needs school, before moving to a residential service for people with autism, learning disabilities and mental health issues. She worked there for three years and left as a Team Leader.
Rebecca joined Caremark Rotherham & Sheffield in July 2024 and has certainly hit the ground running.
Among her select group of clients include people who have tracheostomies and those who require PEG feeding.
“There was a clinical side to my job at the special needs school, but I have had to undergo rigorous training here and that’s always ongoing,” Rebecca says.
“Even recently I was assessed by our Clinical Lead Lizzie in relation to PEG feeding when I was in a client, but I really enjoy this side of it, as well as everything else connected with the job.”
Rebecca’s passion for care rubbed on her father. He worked in an office for 40 years before deciding he had had enough and wanted to do something different. This led to a job as a Support Worker at the same company Rebecca worked for, and he hasn’t looked back since.
“If you go in with an open mind, with confidence and are willing to learn, it is the most rewarding job you will do,” says Rebecca.